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Relaxing Riverside at River Ridge Campground in Alderson, WV – A Two-Week Adventure

River Ridge Campground in Alderson, WV, was a peaceful escape that allowed us to slow down, enjoy riverside views, and connect with nature. With just 13 sites, this small campground gave us a cozy place to stay while we explored rural West Virginia. Here’s a look at our two-week stay, including the highlights, challenges, and unique moments at River Ridge.

Campground Overview

Nestled in the tiny town of Alderson, River Ridge is easy to find with signs along the route. After a scenic drive through backroads and a gravel road, we arrived to find a quiet campground with all 13 sites situated along the riverbank. The sites are well-spaced, each with a firepit and picnic table, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the views. The owner, Joe, lives on-site with his family, making the campground feel especially homey. Alderson itself is small, with just two restaurants, no grocery store, and a few gas stations, so we needed to plan for a few grocery runs to nearby Greenbrier County.

Accessibility

To save money on tolls, we took a route that included a few tight backroads. One of the bypasses was especially narrow, with pull-offs along the way for passing. Navigating that route with a travel trailer was nerve-wracking, especially when we had to pass an 18-wheeler, but we made it through and avoided tolls. If you’re coming with an RV, be aware that some of the alternative routes can be tight but manageable. Once at the campground, everything was easy to access, with clear signage and limited traffic.

Hookups and Amenities

All 13 sites have full hookups, including both 30 and 50-amp connections. There’s a portable toilet at one end of the campground, dumpsters for trash, and even a washer and dryer available for $2 per load, just remember to text Joe to unlock the laundry room. The lack of Wi-Fi wasn’t a problem, as Verizon and T-Mobile had strong signals, allowing us to hotspot from our phones. We could also set up Starlink, though it didn’t handle video calls or gaming as smoothly as we hoped. The riverside views more than made up for it, though, and having each site on the water made the campground feel extra relaxing.

Activities and Recreation

Fishing was a popular activity here, with easy access right from each site. We didn’t get a chance to interact much with other campers, as there were only a few other trailers during our stay, but we loved getting to know Joe and his pets: two dogs and two cats, who often roamed the campground and greeted visitors. There’s also a small picnic area and a basketball hoop for those looking to get active. With so few guests, it was a quiet, laid-back experience, perfect for unwinding after work each day.

Staff and Services

Joe runs the campground himself with his wife popping up as well, and he’s one of the friendliest hosts we’ve met. He checked in with us often, offered to move us to another site if we wanted, and even provided a list of local events happening during our stay. He sells firewood and some merch, and if you need any equipment, it’s best to request it in advance. We also appreciated that he was available by text whenever we needed something. The personal touch from Joe made our stay feel like a visit with friends rather than a typical campground experience.

Cost and Reservations

At $48 per night, River Ridge was on the higher end of mid-tier, but we felt the price was fair given the peaceful location and riverside views. Reservations are simple to make online, where you can pick your site. We chose Site #1 for its open sky, ideal for using Starlink, and appreciated the option for extra parking if needed. We initially booked a week but extended our stay to two weeks to soak in the local charm.

Rules and Regulations

River Ridge is a relaxed campground, with no strict rules beyond the usual: leash your pets, respect quiet hours, and leave your site as you found it. There wasn’t an official quiet time that we noticed, but everyone kept noise to a minimum, and the whole area stayed very quiet. Joe handles check-ins and was accommodating about our late arrival, leaving our information on the porch when we got there.

Safety

We felt safe the entire time. Joe’s dogs stayed fenced, though one of them doesn’t love other dogs, so it’s best to keep pets leashed. We were comfortable enough to leave things outside while we were away, and we felt our neighbors kept an eye out when we needed it. One highlight was spotting deer roaming through the campground. We got to watch these beautiful animals up close, and Joe’s dogs often alerted us to their presence, which was fun to see.

Connectivity

Without Wi-Fi, we relied on Verizon and T-Mobile hotspots for internet, which worked well for everyday needs and allowed us to work from the site. While Starlink was set up, it wasn’t as strong for gaming or video calls, so we used it mainly for streaming. If you’re planning a remote work setup, phone hotspots were reliable and stable here.

Environment and Vibe

River Ridge was incredibly peaceful, with each site right on the river. Although the campground is close to a main road, the noise from passing trucks or trains was minimal and didn’t disrupt the tranquil atmosphere. The other campers were respectful and friendly, and everyone seemed to embrace the calm vibe. It was refreshing to stay in a place where the river’s sound provided a constant, soothing backdrop.

Personal Experience

After a lively stay at our last campground, River Ridge offered a welcome contrast. We had a full two weeks of quiet to unwind, with just the sound of the river and the occasional passing deer. We enjoyed evenings by the campfire, visits to Alderson’s small restaurants, and plenty of time to catch up on personal projects and explore. Alderson Big Wheel was a fantastic local spot, where we enjoyed home-cooked meals at great prices, and everyone there was incredibly friendly. We returned a few times for the food and the chance to chat with the staff.

As the days passed, we got into a comfortable routine of working, taking breaks to play with Joe’s dogs and cats, and enjoying the fall weather. One memorable highlight was our visit to Bridge Day at the New River Gorge, where we watched thrill-seekers BASE jump from the iconic bridge. We almost missed the bus, but catching the last shuttle was worth it for the experience of seeing the jumps and enjoying the festival atmosphere.

Our time at River Ridge showed us how relaxing a small, quiet campground can be. Joe’s warmth and hospitality, the riverfront setting, and the charming town of Alderson made it easy for us to extend our stay and fully embrace the relaxed pace. From campfire nights to exploring the area on motorcycle rides, this two-week retreat was exactly what we needed.

Conclusion

River Ridge Campground offers a unique mix of riverside views, friendly staff, and a peaceful environment. If you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, fish, or just unwind, River Ridge is the perfect stop in West Virginia. Be sure to stock up on groceries beforehand, plan for the narrow roads if you’re bypassing tolls, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere that Joe has created here. If you love riverside views and the simple life, this campground is worth the visit. Have you ever visited a small campground like this? Tell us your favorite small-campground story in the comments, and follow us for more travel adventures!

Tags: River Ridge Campground, Alderson WV camping, riverside RV camping, West Virginia camping, small campground, RV life, peaceful camping, RV travel tips, remote work camping, campground reviews

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